Biodiversity Net Gain is a legal requirement in England, requiring infrastructure developers to take a different approach to their building projects and plan in how their work can deliver - rather than take away - from nature. As a Biodiversity Net Gain service provider, The Wildlife Trusts offer consultancy services and high quality habitat delivery that offers genuinely additional and permanent gains in biodiversity.

When wildlife could be harmed by development, local planning authorities should follow a step-wise approach to reduce that harm, known as the ‘mitigation hierarchy’. This is required in National Planning Policy.

A planning application can be decided by the case officer or by the planning committee. Usually, wildlife concerns are addressed by conditions. These can relate to construction methods, mitigation and compensation and the aftercare and management of the site.

Learn how you can help wildlife at home. Spending time outdoors, learning about nature can make us feel happier, healthier and more connected to the natural world.